The Importance of Fitness for Kids

by Cindy Wilkinson

In today's world, obesity is an increasing problem for children of all racial and socio-economic groups.  The lifestyle of the typical American family has changed dramatically in the past 30 yrs.  And, sadly, during that time, the number of obese children in the US has doubled.  Even more discouraging are reports that show that 80% of obese children will remain so throughout  adulthood.  For many families, the "family meal" has all but disappeared.  And now, instead of the "rainbow plate" philosophy (eating a wide variety of foods including all the colors of the rainbow, ensuring a healthy balance), kids are sometimes getting the greatest portion of their food intake from processed foods and from fast food drive-up windows.

Equally alarming is the dramatic decrease of physical activity in our children.  The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that the average kid today spends 5 1/2 hrs each day on all screened media combined (TV, videos & DVDs, computer time outside of homework, and video games).  Add to that the time that kids spend texting friends and talking on cell phones.  Many children now are getting only a fraction of the kind of exercise the average child benefitted from several decades earlier. 

Life has changed immensely since the 1960's when I was growing up.  I have countless memories of riding my bike nearly every place that I needed to go, of climbing the tree in our backyard, and of my persistence at creating the perfect cartwheel.  My siblings and I spent most of our summer vacations either at the community swimming pool or the tennis court at the end of our street, and family vacations always included lots of time in rowboats, canoes, and on horseback.  It was a time before computers and DVDs and children spent their days most frequently entertaining themselves outdoors. 

We can't go back in time.  And we can't change that technology is an important part of our world.  So, knowing some of these challenges our kids are facing , how do we help them develop a greater level of fitness and live a healthier life? 

In my next three blogs, I will explore different activities which will encourage and promote fitness in children.  The first of these will introduce kids to the cool and funky world of hip hop dance.  Next, we will learn about how to set up an awesome clogging or tap studio in your basement, garage, or actually, just about anywhere in your home!  And finally, I will share some of my favorite Jumpin' With Cindy activities, which will especially entertain your little ones.  See you all again soon!!